Hart Books

A petty thief wrongfully convicted of murder by a French court in 1931. The bulk of this narrative, and it is a tremendous one, is this man's incarcerations in penal colonies in French Guyana: the many escape scenarios and attempts; the final escape to the mainland; and 2 years living with the local Indians.

Charriere's writing style is spontaneous, lucid, and totally without pretense; real storytelling prowess. The storylines are inbued with perserverance, grit, and undercurrents of humor. He never surrenders to despair; his sense of intrepid survival and courage sustain him throughout the 13 years of his imprisonments. The will to live is the engine that drives these riveting episodes.

The question of the authenticity of this narrative, like the Castaneda books, arises; but ultimately, it doesn't matter if this story is true or not. This is an adventure story; and hyperbole is always involved in the narration of any adventure, regardless of degree. It is the power of the storyteller that mesmerizes the listener/reader in this, a hero's journey. In this case, it is a journey of liberation from a series of hells.

After reading this book, you will come away feeling enriched by this man's intrepid spirit. Highly recommended.

Extracts: A Field Guide for Iconoclasts

Charriere's book was impossible to put down. Whether novel or real, his story as a prisoner is unforgettable. Highly recommended.

One of the great adventure books of any time; certainly had had huge impact on my childhood as it was more mesmerizing and novel and gripping than any of the more conventional classics. There it was: a documentary that once again proved that the human spirit at its highest truly becomes indomitable and cannot be destroyed.
The writer erected the monument to the spirit that went unbroken even in the harshest brutality of the Guyana's tropical gulag.

After reading the book, I almost fancy committing a crime with the hope of a prison sentence and the chance of escape! This is an excellent read! I have traveled in Guyana and around the southern Caribbean to some extent and the sea is very rough. He must have been some sailor!

Guyana is such an amazing and beautiful country, sadly remembered for the horrifying stories of "the bagne", its tropical deadly diseases, its giant ants and migales, its poisonous snakes, frogs and spiders, etc. During colonial times and later, the living conditions were indeed so difficult that diseases, i.e. dysentery and typhoid fever, would spread by the day or hour, mainly due to the lack of hygiene and the lack of access to medical facilities,. Malaria and yellow fever also caused more deaths among inmates than the internment horrendous conditions and other atrocities. The name and reputation of Guyana has not yet completely recovered since that time. The "bagne" was officially closed down in 1943. I can only wonder how one would ever think of an escape from it. Guyana is in the middle on nowhere. North and South is just the plain, thick, green, giant rainforest. What about Rivers, cricks? Then, probably only an expert Wayana could paddle a canoe and maneuvers through the strong stream of the Maroni or the Oyapock muddy rivers.

I visited what remains of the internment camps in Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, which gate stayed opened wide like a dead man's mouth, and the one in "Ile Saint-Joseph": a few compounds without doors or roofs still stand, black walls falling in decrepitude, zinc and iron bars rusted by the rain and the humidity... Surely, much of the tales of Charriere are pure fiction. Anybody (except of course the native Amerindians) will get lost and die just trying to find his or her way through the maze and thickness of the rainforest, and escaping through the sea doesn't looks such a better idea either. It is said that the sea, which is blue at the "Iles du Salut", is full of sharks who regularly swim about and around the islands to prey for sea turtles. Plus, there are at least 15 miles between the islands and the coast...

In fact, Charriere's publisher, Robert Laffont, revealed in an interview before he died that Charriere submitted the book to him as a novel. However, Laffont, who had a true-life series of books on the go, persuaded him to present it as a true story. He also said that Charriere combined the experiences of several convicts (and we can only speculate how much they exaggerated their exploits)into his book.

Indeed, it is highly likely that the book was ghost-written anyway. Yet, you should still read it.

No, there's no need whatsoever for some poor sod to re-translate the whole book! It still reads beautifully. But, and this is a BIG but, the translation is, today, WAY TOO TAME. The quaint, oblique, charming English expletives he employs now badly interfere with the book's mood and thrillingly immediate, rough flavour. He translated this book way back in 1969; even the English aren't so delicate any longer. Please, isn't it time to honour Charriere's original manuscript, and dirty things up a bit??!

This book was amazing. I started to read the first chapter and automaticlly was hooked!!! I love Shawdow Horse. Alison Hart, when does the next book come out?

When I first got this book I wasn't interested. My Mom and Dad wanted
me to read the book but I kept saying no. One day my Mom said, "Just read
the first chapter." Once I starting reading it I couldn't stop because it
was so good!!!!!! This is what I have to say to Alison Hart: WRITE ANOTHER
SHADOW HORSE book!!!!!!!!!! I say this book is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!

Jas, a kind and fun loving young equestrian lover, was well aware that she had no chance winning a course case against Hugh Robicheaux. After all, he had all the money and the power. She had attacked him, and to the jury, for no apparent reason. But both Hugh and Jas know that she had all the reason in the world, he killed her horse.

Jas is sentenced to two months on house arrest at a small farm for abused animals. She knows that somehow this farm ties into the killing of her beloved horse and she is determined to find proof. Little does she know she will find all that and more! Now the only question is, can she go up against the richest guy in Virginia State, Hugh Robicheaux?

Filled with twist and turns and not to mention amazing passages "Shadow Horse" kept me reading until I turned the last page. This book is meant for younger readers and preteens,(those who are older may find it juvenile). Though the ending was somewhat of a disappointment for me the "Shadow Horse" is a great book for young horse lovers and mystery lovers alike.

This is like the best horse booke EVER! It ends weird though, so THERE REALLY SHOULD BE a sequel!!!!! So to Alison Hart, MAKE ANOTHER!!!!!!!!!!

I got this book back in 2002 or so and have read it countless times...at least 15 times or so. It is extremely well written and keeps you interested from cover to cover. I have been waiting for a sequel since the first time I read it. This book really is a must read!

My thought, after reading the first two chapters of this book, was something like, 'Wow! This writer really has a distinctive voice.' By the end of the book that voice was less distinct, or at least I had some trouble differentiating between Hart's and Grisham's voices. Nevertheless, this author has taken some cliched southern characters and situations and breathed literate life into them. I enjoyed the story, but more than that I enjoyed the relationships drawn between the male characters, living and dead. The protagonist, Adam Chase, is someone who, although I could not identify with him, I totally believed in his reality. And also that of his father, adopted brother, the cops, the family friend and the family enemy. Where my belief broke down was when it came to the female characters: They were too cliched, too one-dimensional, with one exception and that was Sarah Yates. She was a fresh character, and one I believed in. That inability to write a 3D, living, breathing woman is one shared by a number of bestselling authors, including Grisham, and although I have enjoyed early works by such authors I usually become fatigued and drop them from my 'must read' list. Hart may last longer if he can remedy this one fault, because I truly loved the internal dialogue of his protagonist and those finely drawn relationships/conflicts with the other men -- I thought that the writing there was brilliant. I liked this book, and I'm hoping for even better ones.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book--it was excellent! I have not read John Hart's first book, but it's next on my list. While the NYT review compares Hart's style to Scott Turow, et.al., he reminds me more of one of my favorite authors, James Lee Burke. If you're a Burke fan, I highly recommend Down River. BTW, the narrator of Down River also sounds very similar to the reader of James Lee Burke's audio books, Will Patton, who has an amazing voice for storytelling.

A boy is falsely accused of a murder he didn't commit, is acquitted of the same and yet, is still considered the murderer-in-fact years later. Can he ever clear his name especially with an assault and another murder happening just as he reappears in his hometown?

After the trial he was almost all but disowned by his father. His dad is still torn between son and wife even years later. Can our young man ever be part of his family again when his main accuser was his stepmother?

This book blends together social injustice, mystery, love, longing and family turmoil in a way that should evoke a range of emotions in anyone with half a heart.

This was an excellent story - well written and it kept me guessing until the end. Made me want to read John Hart's first book too.

As I stated in one of my earlier reviews a good novel should have a great beginning, middle, and ending; just like a chess game. I read the jacket of this book on several occasions without purchasing it - I don't know why. Finally I bought it and am so glad I did. If you want to read a who done it and not know up to the last chapter then this novel is for you. There are really no negatives. The text is fast paced and exciting. I can not wait for Hart's next book.

Adam Chase was barely acquitted of a young man's murder five years ago despite his stepmother's testimony against him. His father chose to abide by his wife and asked Adam to leave the family farm. Adam leaves Rowan County, North Carolina with his memories of an idyllic childhood by the river, and spends the next five years nursing his wounds in New York City. Now he's back, his best friend, Danny Faith, wanting to speak to him in person about some life-altering decision. But Danny's disappeared and soon Adam is once again the town's suspect in a beating, an arson, and murders that follow. To clear his name once and for all, Adam tracks down the real killer and in the process, resurrects the pain that has crippled his family.

Reading `Down River' by John Hart is like stumbling into a Tennessee Williams play, but with the heat turned up--way up. It's about greed, secrets, murder, backstabbing, front stabbing, and what Williams called "mendacity." Awash in hyperbole, it's a hothouse of emotions, where everyone speaks and acts as if someone ought to be named Brick and the daddy here, Jacob Chase, ought to be Big Daddy. There are no stiff upper lips to be found--everyone emotes and anger doesn't just percolate, it boils over. This isn't the Antebellum South; laden with atmosphere and family dysfunction, it practically shrieks Southern gothic. Mr. Hart's penchant for melodrama suits his theme quite well and even if it gets unwieldy at times, it's a decent mystery that entertains.

According to most of the people in Rowan County, North Carolina, acquittal was a term used by the courts when they didn't have enough evidence to convict a man. It had nothing to do with guilt or innocence. Adam Chase was guilty of murder. His step-mother had even testified against him. The acquittal meant nothing.

Adam Chase was tried for a murder he did not commit. After going through an ordeal like that, Adam knew he could deal with the suspicion, animosity, and outright hostility, but his father's betrayal cut to the quick. He couldn't handle that. Jacob Chase chose to believe his wife's version of the story rather than his son's. Left with few alternatives, Adam turned his back on his family, friends, and Rowan County. In New York City he would be an anonymous face in the crowd. The past and the future would no longer matter.

Adam was wrong. Five years had passed and the walls he built around his heart were thick and solid, but one phone call from a childhood friend asking him to come home, and the walls started crumbling. Adam was no longer insulated from the pain. There would be no peace until he returned home and set things right.

There was trouble brewing in Rowan County and Adam's unexpected return added fuel to the fire. The friend that summoned him home had disappeared, and when a family member was assaulted, the cops looked at Adam with suspicion. Was the trouble dogging his family stemming from the past, or was it related to the latest controversy involving the proposed nuclear power plant? The nuclear power plant would give the town and the county a much needed economic boost, but his father's refusal to sell the land needed for it had stalled the project.

Unable to bridge the gap between himself and his father, Adam considered heading back to New York, but then the first body surfaced. It was found in an isolated cavern on Chase land. Adam knew he couldn't turn his back on his friends and family again. He had to ferret out the truth. He owed them that.

Down River is an incredible story about relationships, revenge, and retribution. Written from Adam's point of view, it was easy to understand his attitude and why he did what he did. But John Hart took it one step farther. His secondary characters are not treated as secondary characters, but as an integral part of the story. I felt their pain and understood their motives as surely as I did Adam's.

If you haven't read Down River yet, I highly recommend it. It is the second novel written by John Hart and I am looking forward to the next one.

My thought, after reading the first two chapters of this book, was something like, 'Wow! This writer really has a distinctive voice.' By the end of the book that voice was less distinct, or at least I had some trouble differentiating between Hart's and Grisham's voices. Nevertheless, this author has taken some cliched southern characters and situations and breathed literate life into them. I enjoyed the story, but more than that I enjoyed the relationships drawn between the male characters, living and dead. The protagonist, Adam Chase, is someone who, although I could not identify with him, I totally believed in his reality. And also that of his father, adopted brother, the cops, the family friend and the family enemy. Where my belief broke down was when it came to the female characters: They were too cliched, too one-dimensional, with one exception and that was Sarah Yates. She was a fresh character, and one I believed in. That inability to write a 3D, living, breathing woman is one shared by a number of bestselling authors, including Grisham, and although I have enjoyed early works by such authors I usually become fatigued and drop them from my 'must read' list. Hart may last longer if he can remedy this one fault, because I truly loved the internal dialogue of his protagonist and those finely drawn relationships/conflicts with the other men -- I thought that the writing there was brilliant. I liked this book, and I'm hoping for even better ones.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book--it was excellent! I have not read John Hart's first book, but it's next on my list. While the NYT review compares Hart's style to Scott Turow, et.al., he reminds me more of one of my favorite authors, James Lee Burke. If you're a Burke fan, I highly recommend Down River. BTW, the narrator of Down River also sounds very similar to the reader of James Lee Burke's audio books, Will Patton, who has an amazing voice for storytelling.

A boy is falsely accused of a murder he didn't commit, is acquitted of the same and yet, is still considered the murderer-in-fact years later. Can he ever clear his name especially with an assault and another murder happening just as he reappears in his hometown?

After the trial he was almost all but disowned by his father. His dad is still torn between son and wife even years later. Can our young man ever be part of his family again when his main accuser was his stepmother?

This book blends together social injustice, mystery, love, longing and family turmoil in a way that should evoke a range of emotions in anyone with half a heart.

Adam Chase was barely acquitted of a young man's murder five years ago despite his stepmother's testimony against him. His father chose to abide by his wife and asked Adam to leave the family farm. Adam leaves Rowan County, North Carolina with his memories of an idyllic childhood by the river, and spends the next five years nursing his wounds in New York City. Now he's back, his best friend, Danny Faith, wanting to speak to him in person about some life-altering decision. But Danny's disappeared and soon Adam is once again the town's suspect in a beating, an arson, and murders that follow. To clear his name once and for all, Adam tracks down the real killer and in the process, resurrects the pain that has crippled his family.

Reading `Down River' by John Hart is like stumbling into a Tennessee Williams play, but with the heat turned up--way up. It's about greed, secrets, murder, backstabbing, front stabbing, and what Williams called "mendacity." Awash in hyperbole, it's a hothouse of emotions, where everyone speaks and acts as if someone ought to be named Brick and the daddy here, Jacob Chase, ought to be Big Daddy. There are no stiff upper lips to be found--everyone emotes and anger doesn't just percolate, it boils over. This isn't the Antebellum South; laden with atmosphere and family dysfunction, it practically shrieks Southern gothic. Mr. Hart's penchant for melodrama suits his theme quite well and even if it gets unwieldy at times, it's a decent mystery that entertains.

According to most of the people in Rowan County, North Carolina, acquittal was a term used by the courts when they didn't have enough evidence to convict a man. It had nothing to do with guilt or innocence. Adam Chase was guilty of murder. His step-mother had even testified against him. The acquittal meant nothing.

Adam Chase was tried for a murder he did not commit. After going through an ordeal like that, Adam knew he could deal with the suspicion, animosity, and outright hostility, but his father's betrayal cut to the quick. He couldn't handle that. Jacob Chase chose to believe his wife's version of the story rather than his son's. Left with few alternatives, Adam turned his back on his family, friends, and Rowan County. In New York City he would be an anonymous face in the crowd. The past and the future would no longer matter.

Adam was wrong. Five years had passed and the walls he built around his heart were thick and solid, but one phone call from a childhood friend asking him to come home, and the walls started crumbling. Adam was no longer insulated from the pain. There would be no peace until he returned home and set things right.

There was trouble brewing in Rowan County and Adam's unexpected return added fuel to the fire. The friend that summoned him home had disappeared, and when a family member was assaulted, the cops looked at Adam with suspicion. Was the trouble dogging his family stemming from the past, or was it related to the latest controversy involving the proposed nuclear power plant? The nuclear power plant would give the town and the county a much needed economic boost, but his father's refusal to sell the land needed for it had stalled the project.

Unable to bridge the gap between himself and his father, Adam considered heading back to New York, but then the first body surfaced. It was found in an isolated cavern on Chase land. Adam knew he couldn't turn his back on his friends and family again. He had to ferret out the truth. He owed them that.

Down River is an incredible story about relationships, revenge, and retribution. Written from Adam's point of view, it was easy to understand his attitude and why he did what he did. But John Hart took it one step farther. His secondary characters are not treated as secondary characters, but as an integral part of the story. I felt their pain and understood their motives as surely as I did Adam's.

If you haven't read Down River yet, I highly recommend it. It is the second novel written by John Hart and I am looking forward to the next one.

My thought, after reading the first two chapters of this book, was something like, 'Wow! This writer really has a distinctive voice.' By the end of the book that voice was less distinct, or at least I had some trouble differentiating between Hart's and Grisham's voices. Nevertheless, this author has taken some cliched southern characters and situations and breathed literate life into them. I enjoyed the story, but more than that I enjoyed the relationships drawn between the male characters, living and dead. The protagonist, Adam Chase, is someone who, although I could not identify with him, I totally believed in his reality. And also that of his father, adopted brother, the cops, the family friend and the family enemy. Where my belief broke down was when it came to the female characters: They were too cliched, too one-dimensional, with one exception and that was Sarah Yates. She was a fresh character, and one I believed in. That inability to write a 3D, living, breathing woman is one shared by a number of bestselling authors, including Grisham, and although I have enjoyed early works by such authors I usually become fatigued and drop them from my 'must read' list. Hart may last longer if he can remedy this one fault, because I truly loved the internal dialogue of his protagonist and those finely drawn relationships/conflicts with the other men -- I thought that the writing there was brilliant. I liked this book, and I'm hoping for even better ones.

I listened to the unabridged audio version of this book--it was excellent! I have not read John Hart's first book, but it's next on my list. While the NYT review compares Hart's style to Scott Turow, et.al., he reminds me more of one of my favorite authors, James Lee Burke. If you're a Burke fan, I highly recommend Down River. BTW, the narrator of Down River also sounds very similar to the reader of James Lee Burke's audio books, Will Patton, who has an amazing voice for storytelling.

A boy is falsely accused of a murder he didn't commit, is acquitted of the same and yet, is still considered the murderer-in-fact years later. Can he ever clear his name especially with an assault and another murder happening just as he reappears in his hometown?

After the trial he was almost all but disowned by his father. His dad is still torn between son and wife even years later. Can our young man ever be part of his family again when his main accuser was his stepmother?

This book blends together social injustice, mystery, love, longing and family turmoil in a way that should evoke a range of emotions in anyone with half a heart.

OK. Here's the deal. Author B.H.Liddell Hart was writing in 1925, just after the carnage of the first world war. His comparisons, in themselves, are very interesting as he is familiar with Wellington, Marlbourogh, and yes Napolean as he compares their skills to Scipio Africanus. This is a great history and a great read. For those of us middlebrow armchair Roman history buffs this telling of the Spanish and African campaign really hits the spot. Author Hart is not afraid to give his opinion and he has an extremely high opinion of Scipio. I never found the book to drag, from the opening chapters where the 20 year old Scipio heads to Spain to avenge the death of his uncle and his father to the final push at Zuma. There is even the bonus of the polictical shunning by the Roman senate and then the last campaign in the far reaches of 'Asia' (Syria).... Scipio Africanus is probably the true father of Rome as an empire and this book is a home run winner in style, content, and enjoyment, even if it is nearly 100 years old

First off, this book has a bias.

Hart is making a case that Scipio Africanus is, perhaps, the greatest general in history. He states this up front and makes no apologies for it. His reason for this is that (modern) history up until now has been considerably biased towards Hannibal (and that there was no current book about Scipio at all). Where Hart deviates from standard history or tries to explain the motivation for his point of view he gives a reason for his difference and explains the consensus point of view.

If you read Dodge (biography about Hannibal) or many of the other sources (such as Wikipedia pages on Hannibal, Scipio or the battle of Zama), you would wonder how Scipio was able to get out of his own way to win the battle. Basically, they are biased and pose as neutral.

For instance, you hear often how the forces were nearly equal (in strength) in the battle of Zama or how Scipio had the advantage as he had better cavalry. Scipio was considerably outnumbered in infantry in all the history books (Livy and Polybius) AND you never heard the cavalry excuse used in every other battle where Hannibal had the vast advantage in that. They discount the value of the war elephants completely stating they are only North African elephants and not very big. Well, until that time they had been spectacularly effective. They were specifically forbidden in the treaty after Zama so if they had no value they would not have been expressly put in the treaty. Also, you hear Scipio's Spanish victories are worthless as all the other Carthaginian generals (Mago, Hasdrubal, etc.) opposing him were incompetent. Or read the description of when Scipio asks Hannibal about the 3 greatest generals here (or in Livy) and then read it in Hannibal's wikipedia (from a bio of Hannibal). The story seems totally different. Finally, you hear a lot of complaints about his action (sneak attack) that took Syphax out of the battle as unethical. But when Hannibal uses an ambush himself, it is brilliant strategy.

The point being, yes, this book is biased towards Scipio. But, if you read the book, Hart does explain his reasoning and the opposing point(s) of view and unlike the other books does not pretend neutrality. Until I read this book (which led to reading other books on the Punic wars) I had not been cognizant of the bias. Where it (the bias) is from I'm not sure. Because Carthage is an underdog vs. Rome? Because of the romantic factor with taking the elepants over the Alps?

Hannibal was certainly on the most gifted generals ever to live and Hart does give him his due. For whatever reason, others tend to denigrate Scipio's accomplishments to burnish Hannibal's reputation. This just makes me curious what the movie of Hannibal (starring Vin Diesel) is going to show about Scipio.

Whatever anyone says, in the end, Scipio won every battle where he was the commander. Really, that is all anyone could have done.

First, the authors initial premise that the victor does not always get the credit is sadly true. Which dispells many myths revisionists have been spewing for decades. Aspiring leaders could learn much from this and the authors other books. Here he has created a great story outlining the exploits of one of the worlds most underated generals. Dare I say hardly known? Chapters 10 and 11 is where the true nature of the subject comes to life. In three dynamic years he crushed Carthaginian Spain, then launched his daring attack on Carthage. He details how Scipio's depth of thinking was far beyond most one-dimensional doctrines of his day. Without him Rome and the European Civilization that we so often take for granted, may have ended as part of a huge North African Empire. We owe the subject and the author a debt of gratitude.

The author starts off with an interesting premise - that the victor doesn't always get the credit due his achievements. He mentions Hannibal's fame over his superior on the battlefield - Scipio. Other examples are Wellington over Napoleon and Grant over Lee.
A very interesting biography overall with a concentration on his wartime accomplishments, this book is a good read for those interested in military history and the politic intrigue that plague successful military leaders. Recommended reading!

We've all heard of Hannibal and of the man who finally defeated the invader of Rome (on his own turf). But who does history remember? It certainly isn't the victorious general who *NEVER* lost a battle. While Hannibal might not have lost a battle until Zama, he simply wasn't able to finish the Romans off. This was simply due to the fact he wasn't equal to Scipio when it came to siege warfare. The author finally gives Scipio a book worthy to his name. What struck me the most about Scipio was the way he was treated by politicians back in Rome. One would think that the Senate would have done everything possible to ensure that Scipio was victorious and save Rome. However petty rivalries and jealousy were yet other obstacles to be overcome. History repeating itself. The man himself was not only a brilliant general but a very humble man who always put the republic needs above his own. Even though in the end he died in exile, on charges of bribery bought about by his enemies. Rome later cleared his name but the man who saved them from Hannibal, brought Spain, Carthage, Numidia, Sicily and Greece into the empire was treated no better than a common thief. History does indeed repeat itself.

My only complaint was an annoying sticker on the cover, but I got it to come off with minimal residue. Overall, a solid, strong service. Average speed but great quality of the product itself.

Hart's Hope is a tragic tale about a land of magic and misery, where common people live in a desperate struggle to cling to life, and rulers rule with iron fists. The bulk of the story revolves around the life of Orem, the son of an ousted king and result of the meddling of powerful forces, who is meant to righten the natural order of the world that has been corrupted by the justifiable anger and hate of Queen Beauty.

The book is in the form of a narrative letter from one character to King Palicrovol, chronicling events in a fashion that draws you in and keeps you captivated from the beginning to the end. Difficult questions are raised about the necessity of evil and the justification of vengeance. The writing style is magical and mysterious, almost flowery at some points, and very graphic, maybe making this story a bit too much for the faint-of-heart (and certainly too much for young children). Explicit sexual scenes are not glossed over in the least and the commonplace brutality found in this story makes the whole thing more life-like, powerful, and sometimes disturbing.

The setting reminds me a lot of Card's Alvin Maker series, especially as far as the characters and the types of magic involved.

It takes real talent to tell such a powerful and epic story in 300 pages. Orson Scott Card is without a doubt one of the best Fantasy/Sci-Fi writers of all time.

In typical Orson Scott Card fashion, Hart's Hope does not disappoint. One of the things I love about Card is that each one of his books are entirely different, yet they are instantly identifiable as a book that he authored. What's even better is that he always exceeds my expectations. I could build up a book of his in my head for five years, and it would still be better than I could ever imagine. The man is magical with a pen (or a computer) and with Hart's Hope, he has written a truly magical tale.

Orson Scott Card has describe Hart's Hope as the most classic fantasy novel he has written, meaning that the book holds all the elements of a traditional fantasy. It takes place during an unstated time, yet seems medieval in fashion. It involves magic, sorcerers, kingdoms lost, kingdoms fought for, kingdoms saved, vengeance, and kings and queens. It's quite the epic novel wrapped up into a little under 300 pages.

Hart's Hope is the story of Orem, the unknown son of the king, Palicroval. Palicroval has killed the current king and taken the king's daughter as his wife. The king's daughter then decides to take vengeance and becomes Queen Beauty through a truly horrifying ritual of blood and sorcery. Queen Beauty in turn has put the king, Palicroval under a horrible spell and sees his every move. The Hart is a stag of 100 horns, a god of power. The Hart leads Palicroval to a woman who fathers Palicroval's son, though Palicroval is unaware of it. The child is named Orem and has powers that are unknown to anyone, even to himself. All of these storylines interweave into a very complex but surprisingly easy to understand plot that takes us on a truly magical, wondrous, and at times horrifyingly graphic, yet beautiful story.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I've never been disappointed with Card. I've read nearly his whole library and find it very hard to rank books of his in order of which I like best, though I must admit that my favorite book of his is still Speaker For The Dead, the sequel to Ender's Game. The great thing about Card's novels is the love we feel for his characters. He has a gift of bringing a touch of humanity to all of his characters. I care about his characters like no other author's. Hart's Hope was no exception.

I enjoyed this one very much and would recommend it to any fans of fantasy. And for those that aren't crazy about that genre, you may still like this book. The writing and the story itself stand alone without being classified into a genre. Beautiful book!

The most lingering question you will have after reading 'Hart's Hope' is, 'What is evil, anyway?' Is Evil a single act? A single retribution? A single greed? Or is Evil a festering wound that takes years to nurture, molding it as you would a lump of clay? If Evil is singular, can it be absolved? Where does Evil end, and where does it begin?

'Hart's Hope' is one of the best books I have ever read. It still clings to me like a sticky web, trailing from my fingers as I pass my hand across all that I own, all that I am. And I ask myself, "What If?"

When Palicrovol defeats the bad King Nasilee, he only has to force the king's daughter Asineth to marry him and consummate the marriage in order for him to rule Burland. Palicrovol's single act of mercy in not killing Asineth as he was told he should do would eventually become his undoing. Instead of killing her, Palicrovol sends Asineth away with the powerful wizard Sleeve, but not before he has tagged Asineth with the name 'Beauty'.

Beauty's thirst for vengeance and power over the man who defiled her is legend, overpowering even the bonds of motherhood when she gives birth to a ten-month child, a bad omen. Obtaining magical powers through her child, Beauty sets out to challenge King Palicrovol.

Beauty leaves Palicrovol with his kingship, but takes over her father's city, renamed Inwit. She transforms Palicrovol's virgin bride into a hideous visage and renames her Weasel. Palicrovol, banished from the city, eventually finds himself spellbound to take a farmer's wife on the shores of a river.

The farmer's wife births a son named Orem. The majority of the story is about Orem's upbringing and adventure into Inwit, where Orem will meet his fate with Queen Beauty. Along the way are many unsettling events, one of my favorites being Orem's encounter with the Sweet Sisters, deformed co-joined twins separated by magic.

Hart's Hope is written with such lavish and precise prose that I could feel the wind, hear the lapping waters of the river, see the gates of the city, and smell the putrescence of Beggarstown. 'Hart's Hope' is as magical and mystical as your imagination will stretch, yet completely absorbing with its realistic description and dialogue.

It is a heart-wrenching tale of despair and broken promises, of abuse and outright evil, and of the hope that lingers in the hearts of those who keep faith. Steeped in curious creeds and mysticisms, Orem faces off against Beauty even knowing that he must sacrifice the one thing he holds most dear to his heart.

If you are a fantasy lover, you mustn't miss out on this spectacular tale. Though I warn you, it is dark. Truly one of the best books I have ever read. Enjoy!

This book was a complete surprise. I have been reading Orson Scott Card for about the last 15 years, but this amazing little book is quite a wonderful departure.

"Hart's Hope" reminds me of a classic, non-politically correct fairy tale with violence, magic and allegory. Underlying the story are the questions of what is good and evil as well as the power of words and the wonder of making and unmaking. These are classic themes but expressed in such a strong inventive voice.

Since this book is a pretty quick read, I am actually considering going back and re-reading this because I was really intrigued with the way Card plays with the different religions and Gods who are so real in the world of this novel that they have their own faults.

This is a fantasic fantasy read, unlike anything I have read in quite some time and very different from anything from OSC. Highly suggest this one.

Barjavel's The Ice People is the most amazing story that I have ever read. I cannot get over the passionate love story, the wonderful world of the Gondawans, and the truth in Barjavel's portrayal of humanity - even of humanity the way it was 900,000 years ago. The ending broke my heart, and the book changed the way that I think about love and how important it is in our lives. I live for finding books such as The Ice People, and I hope you will consider reading it as well. You won't be sorry if you do.

I first read this in about 1978 when I was in high school. I have since read it again once or twice just because it is a such a great story. A true original work that captivates and draws you in. In a world where innovation in writing seems now almost extinct, this book is a oasis for the intellectual SciFi fan. A must read. It is in my personal top 10 for SciFi!

My dad gave me this book a few months ago, and I LOVED it!! I was an incredible book. I've recomeded it to all my friends, but I don't think anyone else is going to read it sonce they are not avid readers and we are only in grade nine! But I still anyone who listens that this is the best book ever written. I don't understand why it's not famous and why it is so hard to find...

This book was the best book I ever read! I read in portuguese and english and both times I realized that life could be perfect. We are able to have a perfect world as the book show us, but we are also kind enough to destroy it. My hope from the book was beliving that life was once perfect!! Great book, great history, great science!

In "The Ice People", Scientists discover a perfect sphere buried deep in the continent of Antarctica - not in the ice but below the ice in the ground. A major undertaking is commenced...dig to the object. What they find astounds everyone - perfectly preserved humans, a man and a woman; young, healthy, and beautiful, these two are the last people from an advanced civilization 900,000 years ago.

Scientists rush to revive they two from their stasis. The woman comes to first and she begins to tell the story of their lost world. It is a beautiful story, and a heartbreaking one. But, as the man nears revival, chaos ensues and things will never be the same.

Thirteen years ago, on a road trip in the heart of California, a friend told me of this French Science Fiction novel he had read when he was younger called "The Ice People"; this was a book that had stuck with him for years and he lamented that he did not own a copy and had looked for a used copy for years to no avail. One of the purposes of this road trip was to hit used bookstores to find new treasures; this is what prompted his sharing of this book. The very first bookstore we entered ended up having a paperback copy on the shelf! He was astounded and of course bought it in a flash. Later that day, in another bookstore - and after more talking about the book - we came across another copy, and I promptly bought it after all of his influence for the day. I was not disappointed!

I was introduced to Betsy and Tacy at 5 or 6 by my mom. She adored the series growing in the 50/60s. I grew up in the 70s/80s and fell in love with Betsy, Tacy and Tib. I have 3 daughters that now love these books also. If I had to name the best gift I ever received, I would name my Betsy books. I read the books at just the right time in my life. I would look forward to receiving my Besty/Tacy book at Christmas. When I had my 1st child, my mother gave me the final book in the series when Betsy also has a baby. I was overjoyed yet sad because I knew it was the end of the books.
These books were so important to me growing up that I still think of the characters often. They are wonderful classic stories of a simple time and true friendships.

B-T fans rejoice! Sutton Foster acquits herself well, and brings the characters and Maud's distinctive writerly voice alive in her reading of B-T.

Tired of reading the book over and over and over to your children? This audiobook can take over the chore. Or guarantee that you arrive at work in a good mood, by listening during your commute.

Don't hesitate, just get it before it goes out of print. Let's hope they issue more of the books on CD too.

Betsy-Tacy is an amazing book. The series is just unbelievable. I checked it out from the library and I just loved them. I have read the series once and I am working on the second time. I rate this book 5 stars because it is so wonderful. As you read through these pages, you will be learning about friendship and bravery. Betsy and Tacy have adventures of a lifetime in this book and all of the others. My mom always cries when she sees the person who donated this series to the library because I love them so much. If you read this book and love it, please read the series. It will be books that you will never forget as long as you live.

What a delightful book! I cannot believe I missed these books as a child; I picked them up to read with my daughters on a friend's recommendation, and they are a treasure. They remind me of so many other classic children's books -- Lois Lenski, Carolyn Haywood, Beverly Cleary, Eleanor Estes. Not only are the stories sweet and captivating, they take me back to a place where life was so much simpler. It's a return to innocence, and I loved the journey. I would highly recommend these books for little girls; they'll make new friends that they'll cherish for a lifetime.

I was recently reminded of the Betsy-Tacy books I loved so much when I was a young girl. You can not imagine my horror at seeing the current editions' illustrations of the girls, though. Part of the original books' charm was the simple illustrations. Whoever decided to change them should be ashamed. Ashamed and fired. Seriously.

Contact me if you want to join a campaign to have the real drawings returned to future editions of these timeless classics so many of us loved so much.

great book written from the surviving papers after his death there would have been more but a lot of his stuff was taken by the Nazis, and much more was lost to the US Army but his wife and son saved some and from this B.H. LIDDELL-HART was with the help of the wife and son to put his great skill as a battlefield commander in a new light A must read for any student of WWII also checkout ATTACKS by Rommel this book is about his time as a young lieutenant in WW I

This is one of those books that made the shivers run down my spine while reading it. It felt like being right there in the thick of it with this amazing field commander. This man is a born leader and has the audacity and knighthood to fight an honest fight. He did what he believed was right and he is portrayed as human as possible in this text. War is a terrible thing, but it still is a part of our way of life. This cannot be denied! These memoirs are of the highest value and a must-read for anyone interested in the war in Northern Africa.

Very insightful and interesting look inside the mind of one of the greatest generals of WWII. He was a true soldier - it's unfortunate he was associated with Hitler and the Nazis. He may have been considered one of the greatest generals of all time if it weren't for the evil of the regime he fought on behalf of.

Worthwhile reading if you want to understand what "the other side" had to deal with during the war. It allows you to better understand the mind of the soldiers who believed they were fighting for their country without simpathizing with the Nazi government.

Rommel's support for the assasination of Hitler, while not proven, also offers an interesting perspective on how the army came to fear and distrust Hitler's intentions.

This book is one of the best memoirs I have read. It is Erwin Rommel's account of the Second World War from start through finish. The best and most interesting thing about this book are Rommel's thoughts. He talks about all of his battles, and experiences throughout the war, but he weaves in personal things as well which make this a superb piece of writing. You will definately not be disappointed in purchasing this book. Anyone interested in Rommel, the German view of WWII, or WWII in general, should buy this book, hands down.

Legendary Field Marshall Erwin Rommel narrates the war effort from the German point of view. Outnumbered, out gunned, but never out "generaled," Rommel explains both his early successes and ultimate defeat. His work is rightly considered a military classic and also provides a unique insight into the Nazi high command.

Rommel begins by talking about the victory in France. Utilizing superior tactics and equipment the Germans achieved in six weeks what they failed to accomplish in four years in World War I. The lesson is simple: Military planners should always plan for the next war, not the last one.

Then it was off to Africa. Rommel again outclassed his opponents until the material superiority of the U.S. and British destroyed any chance of success. He repeatedly decries his inadequate air support and lack of supplies. Only much later was ULTRA revealed to be the cause of much of his difficulty. (See, The ULTRA Secret, by F.W. Winterbotham, Harper and Row, Publishers, 1974.) Read this section with a map of North Africa in hand!

Last, was his defense of Normandy. Knowing he would have only Goering's promises for air cover, the once foremost exponent of mobile warfare opted to defend at the shoreline in an attempt to force the Allies into a negotiated peace. Alone, with grossly inadequate supplies, and only a short time to prepare he orchestrated a masterful defense which well might have succeeded if Hitler had allowed him to fight his own battle.

Finally, after service in two wars, and fighting valiantly against overwhelming odds, Hitler gave him his "reward." In true Nazi fashion, he was "allowed" to commit suicide to save his family rather than face a Peoples Court.

This work shows how the Nazi high command repeatedly violated the Principles of War of Mass and Unity of Command with disastrous results. Furthermore, it shows how a dynamic leader can accomplish nearly miraculous results even against all odds. The fact he unwittingly served an evil regime in no way diminishes his greatness as a military leader. When the names of the great Generals of history are recited: Lee, Jackson, Forrest, Guderian, and Patton; Rommel's name is sure to be included. A true classic in military literature; 5 stars!!

Harold Y. Grooms